Modern inkjet printers of the series Smart Tank from Hewlett-Packard are powerful tools for home printing, but their initial setup often causes difficulties for users. Model HP Smart Tank 513 is no exception: despite its rich functionality and continuous ink supply system, integrating the device into a wireless network requires careful consideration. If you've just unpacked the device, you'll need to complete a series of steps to enable wireless printing from smartphones and computers.
The main difficulty is that the printer is in passive standby mode by default and does not broadcast a signal for pairing. Wireless connection It must be activated manually, using either a button on the control panel or specialized software. In this article, we'll cover all current setup methods, focusing on using the mobile app. HP Smart, which is the standard for modern devices of the brand.
Before moving on to the software, make sure you've properly prepared the device itself. This includes installing the cartridges, removing all transport belts, and, crucially, filling the ink tanks. Attempting to turn on the printer or start the Wi-Fi setup procedure before the initial ink priming cycle has completed may damage the print head. Only after the device has completed the preparatory stage and the display (or indicators) show the ready status, can you proceed with the network configuration.
Preparing equipment and checking network compatibility
Successful integration HP Smart Tank 513 Access to the local network directly depends on your router's settings. Modern security standards and frequency ranges can conflict if the device isn't properly prepared. First, ensure your router broadcasts a signal in the 2.4 GHz band, as most inkjet printers in this class do. do not support 5 GHz networks during initial setup.
If your router broadcasts the same network with the same name (SSID) for both frequencies, the printer may attempt to connect to the 5 GHz band and be rejected, or simply not see the network. We recommend temporarily separating the networks in your router settings or creating a guest network exclusively on the 2.4 GHz band for the pairing process. It's also worth checking whether AP client isolation is enabled on your router, which prevents devices on the same network from communicating with each other.
The second important aspect is distance. During setup, the printer and the device you're using to manage it (smartphone or laptop) must be in close proximity to the router. A weak signal can interrupt the transfer of network profiles. Make sure mobile internet (3G/4G/5G) is disabled on the management device to prevent the system from trying to use it instead of the local Wi-Fi.
Activating wireless mode on the printer control panel
The first step to creating a wireless network is to translate the device itself HP Smart Tank 513 into discovery mode. By default, the wireless module may be off or in standby mode after being turned on. You'll need to use the control panel located on the front of the case.
On the device panel, find the button with the image of an antenna or an icon WirelessPressing this button turns the wireless module on or off. If the indicator light next to the button is off, press it once. If it's dim or blinking slowly, it means the module is active but not connected to the network. We need to put it into setup mode.
To do this, press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button (the cross) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds. The Power and Wireless indicators will begin flashing blue. This indicates that the printer has entered standby mode. automatic connection and is ready to search for networks or pair via WPS. If the blinking stops and the blue light turns solid, it means the connection was previously established.
- 📶 The indicator flashes blue: The printer is in setup mode, searching for a network, or waiting for a connection.
- 🔵 The indicator lights up blue: The device is successfully connected to the Wi-Fi network.
- ⚪ The indicator does not light: The wireless module is turned off, a single press of the Wireless button is required.
- 🔴 The indicator flashes red: Network error or driver problem (reset required).
It's worth noting that the button sequence may differ slightly in some firmware versions. If the standard combination doesn't work, try holding the wireless button for 5 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing rapidly. This will force a search for previously known networks.
Setup via the HP Smart app (Android and iOS)
The most modern and convenient way of configuration HP Smart Tank 513 is to use the official application HP SmartThis method allows you to avoid installing heavy drivers on your computer at the initial stage and ensures quick device registration. The application is available in Google Play And App Store.
After installing the app and creating (or signing in to) an HP account, tap the "Add Printer" button or the "+" icon in the corner of the screen. The app will prompt you to enable Bluetooth on your smartphone—this is necessary for the initial printer discovery. Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz) to which you plan to connect the printer.
When the app detects a new printer Smart Tank 513, it will prompt you to begin setup. The system will automatically transfer your Wi-Fi network parameters (SSID and password) to the printer via a secure Bluetooth connection. You'll only need to confirm the action on your smartphone screen. During the installation process, the app may prompt you to update the device's firmware. highly recommended agree, as new versions of software often contain fixes for connection errors.
☑️ HP Smart Setup Checklist
⚠️ Attention: If the app doesn't detect the printer, check if you're using a VPN. VPNs often change IP addresses and regions, which can block local device discovery. Disable your VPN before beginning setup.
Using WPS technology for quick connection
If you don't have a smartphone at hand or you prefer classic methods, you can use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This protocol allows devices to connect to the router without entering a password, simply by pressing a button on the router. This is one of the fastest methods if your router supports this feature.
Find the button on your router that says WPSIt can be physical or virtual (in the router's web interface). Press and hold it for 2-3 seconds until the WPS indicator on the router starts blinking. Immediately after that, within 2 minutes, press and hold the button. Wireless and the button Cancel (or simply Wireless, depending on the software version) on the printer HP Smart Tank 513 until the indicator starts flashing.
The printer will automatically detect the WPS signal from the router and establish a connection. The wireless indicator on the printer's panel will stop blinking and turn solid blue, indicating a successful connection. After this, you can install the drivers on your computer, and the system will automatically find the device on the network.
- 🔘 Find the WPS button on your router (often combined with the Wi-Fi power button).
- ⏱️ You have about 2 minutes to activate WPS mode on the printer after pressing the button on the router.
- 🔒 The WPS method is only secure if you control physical access to the router.
It's important to understand that some modern routers, especially those provided by ISPs, may have the WPS feature disabled for security reasons. If pressing the button doesn't work, check the router settings through the web interface or use the USB cable setup method.
What to do if the WPS button does not work?
If your router doesn't respond to the WPS button, it's possible the feature is disabled in the security settings. Log into the router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), find the Wireless or Wi-Fi section, and make sure WPS is set to Enable. Some ISPs also block this feature remotely.
Connecting via USB cable and computer (Windows/macOS)
If wireless methods fail, the most reliable option is a USB cable connection. This method allows the computer to directly transfer network settings to the printer. You'll need a USB Type-B cable (square connector), which is usually included, or any similar printer cable.
Connect the printer to your computer via USB and turn it on. Run the driver installation from the official HP website or use the included disc (although the software on the disc may be outdated). During the installation, select the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" connection type. The installer will prompt you to connect a cable to transfer network settings.
When prompted, select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password. The computer will transfer this data to the printer via the USB port. After the data is successfully transferred, the installer will ask you to disconnect the USB cable. The printer will reboot the network module and connect to the router wirelessly.
| Parameter | Meaning / Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| USB type | USB 2.0 Type-B | The rear panel of the printer |
| Max. cable length | up to 2 meters | USB standard specification |
| Driver | HP Smart Tank 513 series Full Feature | HP official website |
| OS | Windows 10/11, macOS 10.14+ | System requirements |
This method is especially useful if the printer has lost its network settings after changing the router or password. A wired connection ensures stable transfer of configuration files, bypassing potential interference.
Diagnosing and solving common problems
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, difficulties may arise. Users often encounter a situation where the printer sees the network but won't connect, or the computer doesn't detect the device on the network. First, check whether your antivirus software or Windows Firewall is blocking the connection to the network printer.
Another common issue is IP address conflicts. If there are many devices on the network, the router may have assigned the printer an address that is already in use. In this case, rebooting both the router and printer helps. Turn off the router for 30 seconds, then turn it on, wait for it to boot up, and only then turn on the printer.
If the printer's Wi-Fi light continues to blink blue indefinitely, it means the device is unable to connect to the router. Check that the password is entered correctly (case-sensitive!). Also, make sure MAC address filtering is not enabled on the router. If the issue persists, reset the printer's network settings by holding down the buttons. Wireless communication And Cancel simultaneously for 3 seconds.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and app versions are constantly being updated. If the steps described here don't match what you see on your screen, please refer to your ISP or router manufacturer's documentation for the latest Wi-Fi security settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP Smart Tank 513 be connected to a 5GHz network?
Model HP Smart Tank 513 The printer is equipped with a one-way wireless module that only supports the 802.11 b/g/n standard at 2.4 GHz. Connecting to 5 GHz networks (ac/ax standard) is technically impossible. If your router broadcasts a single network with a common name for both frequencies, try separating them into different SSIDs (e.g., MyWiFi and MyWiFi_5G) in the router settings and connecting the printer to the network without the 5G adapter.
What should I do if the printer says "Connection Error"?
This error is most often caused by an incorrect password or a weak signal. Try moving the printer closer to the router. If this doesn't help, perform a full reset of the printer's network settings (press and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons) and restart the setup process through the HP Smart app, after removing the old device from the app's list.
Do you need internet access to print via Wi-Fi?
Internet access is not required to print from a computer or phone on the same local network; a working local network (router) is all that's required. However, internet access is required for initial setup via the HP Smart app and for the Print from Anywhere feature (HP ePrint).
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
To find your IP address, press and hold the wireless button on your printer for 5 seconds. The device will print a network configuration report showing the current IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.45). You can also view this information in the HP Smart app by selecting your printer and opening its properties.